Working Words: I strive to empower you to write with confidence and clarity in your own voice.
I offer editing services to fiction authors, especially to newer authors. I enjoy working in all genres, yet truly love romance and fantasy.
COLLABORATIVE EDITING
Collaborative editing is what I love doing the most! This editing service examines all aspects of your project: plot structure, character development, genre elements, stylistic choices, consistency, and grammar. (Similar to line editing or substantive editing.)
My feedback includes specific comments and suggested solutions to support you in creating the best work possible. This editing process is collaborative because I provide ongoing feedback throughout the project so that you have opportunities to ask questions along the way. I use general chapter notes, comments in Word, and Track Changes in Word to create an ongoing conversation.
DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING
Developmental editing looks at the big picture, and helps writers out of saggy middles and strengthens the narrative arc and story elements. A developmental edit offers support around the structure of the novel, including plot, character development, setting, point of view, and pacing (balance of narration, action, and dialogue).
My feedback includes a letter outlining what works and what could be strengthened. I suggest solutions to help you improve and revise the different story elements, point out repeating problems, and provide resources to help you hone your writing craft skills. And like a collaborative edit, I love meeting with clients to talk about the feedback to create a thoughtful conversation that amplifies the author’s vision and voice.
COPYEDITING
Copyediting is suitable for writers who already have a solid structure and need some support with grammar, punctuation, spelling, wordiness, clarity, and consistency. I provide you with comments, solutions, and feedback to improve readability, sentence structure, and consistency of tone, voice, and flow. A heavier copyedit is similar to a line edit (feedback on more than the grammar, spelling, and punctuation.)
For writers who have already completed a collaborative edit (or structural, developmental, or stylistic edit), copyediting is a great way to ensure that your manuscript is ready for the proofreading stage.
LIGHT COPYEDIT
A light copyedit is suitable for writers who have had several sets of eyes on their work (developmental edits, line edits, or collaborative edits), and who are looking for support with grammar, spelling, and punctuation. A light copyedit focuses on the final details before formatting and proofreading.
My feedback includes Track Changes and fewer queries and suggestions.
MANUSCRIPT EVALUATIONS
Manuscript evaluations are a great option for authors looking for feedback about their work that looks at the big picture. Feedback would include comments about the structure of the story and the plot, character development, genre elements, and writing style.
A manuscript evaluation is not as detailed or in-depth as a developmental edit, and is a great option for a tighter budget. It includes an editorial letter, and may include some notes in the manuscript document. This service provides feedback and direction on how to get your manuscript ready for the next step in your publishing journey.
QUOTE
I follow the Editorial Freelances Association and Editors Canada guidelines for rates. Please contact me to receive a quote.
*Note: Most often projects end up being between $1,100-$2,500, depending on the type of editing and the length of the manuscript. Please message me about your specific project for an accurate quote.